Our Ancestors Were Messy

The Revolutionary Black Loyalists! Live with Tressie McMillan Cottom

Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an outsized legacy in the US, Canada

The Revolutionary Black Loyalists! Live with BA Parker and Gene Demby

Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an outsized legacy in the US, Canada

Coming Soon: The Black Loyalists (July 8)

A preview of an upcoming episode about the Black Loyalists. Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promi

Household Exclusive: Researching Our Ancestors

Host Nichole Hill responds to listeners' comments and shares an interview with the show's Research Producer, Chioke I'Anson, about the research behind the histories share

Paul and Eslanda Robeson: For the Rights of People. For the Rights of Workers. (Part 2)

Essie & Paul’s passions lead them to the front lines of the fight to defeat fascism. Starring Jason Reynolds Support this independent production and access bonus conten

Eslanda and Paul Robeson: Revolutionaries in the Making (Part 1)

Eslanda Cardozo Goode and Paul Robeson meet and fall in love during the Roaring 20s in Harlem. They give up promising careers and devote themselves to climbing the ladder

Coming Soon: Eslanda and Paul Robeson (Jan. 28th)

Host Nichole Hill shares the story behind Black History Month ahead of the 100th anniversary of it’s celebration and gives listeners a sneak peek of a new episode coming

Feature: The Lonesome Hearts Column with NPR’s Code Switch (plus an announcement!)

Was dating any easier in the past? Nichole Hill joins Gene Demby and B.A. Parker, hosts of NPR's Code Switch, to put this question to the test by traveling back in time t

Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem's Legendary Blonde Bombshell

A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and a musical force the world over. These are the many lives and lo

Minisode: What's Next for Our Ancestors Were Messy

Host Nichole Hill shares updates about the future of the show. To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.com To access bon

The Emperor Jones: Our Ancestors' Favorite Play

In 1920, Emperor Jones was a bona fide Broadway hit. The controversial play’s lead is Charles Gilpin, the first Black man to head up an integrated cast on the Great White

Drs. Anna and Percy Julian: The Affair That Helped Birth The Pill

In the summer of 1932, Anna and Percy learn that their scandalous love affair has been exposed on the front page of the most popular Black newspaper in DC. They were on t

Coming Soon: Drs. Anna and Percy Julian (Apr. 23)

Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode. To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ou

Zora Neale Hurston vs. Langston Hughes: The Pleasures & Perils of Working With Friends

Correction: An earlier version of this story cited events as having happened in 1970 that occured throughout that decade. Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes finally s

Coming Soon: Zora vs. Langston (Apr. 9)

Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode. To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ou

Zora Neale Hurston + Langston Hughes: Best Friends Forever

It's the summer of 1927 and Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes are driving across the South searching for folklore, swapping stories, and enjoying being the newfound s

Coming Soon: Zora + Langston (Mar. 26)

Host Nichole Hill shares a research tip, updates for the Household aka the donor community, where to find bonus material, and a sneak peek at next week's episode. To lea

A Love Story For The Ages!

Nichole, Zakiya and Emmanuel read three drama-filled love stories from historic Black newspapers and select the one that they believe could stand the test of time. Starri

Coming Soon: A Love Story for the Ages (Mar. 12)

Host Nichole Hill shares listener mail, an update for the Household aka the donor community, and a sneak peek at next week's episode. To learn more about the show and ke

Oscar Micheaux: The Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood

At the turn of the century, Oscar Micheaux - a dreamer from Smallville - makes his way to the big city searching for fame, fortune...and a change to his single status! Wh